Community Catalysts of California tion. Remember the shadow rule: "Watch your shadow – The rise in the incidence of skin cancers over the past dec- strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To the extent possible, Have Fun In the Sun Safely July 2007 ades is strongly related to increasingly popular outdoor activities and recreational exposure. Overexposure to sunlight is widely accepted as the underlying cause for harmful effects on the skin, eye and immune system. Experts believe that four out of five cases of skin cancer could be prevented, as UV damage is mostly avoidable. Adopting the following simple precautions, adapted from the Sun Wise School Program can make all the difference. Shade, clothing and hats provide the best protection – applying sunscreen becomes necessary on those parts of the body that remain exposed like the face and hands. Sunscreen should never be used to prolong the duration of sun exposure. .. Limit time in the midday sun The sun’s UV rays are the limit exposure to the sun during these hours. .. Watch for the UV index This important resource helps you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun’s rays. While you should always take precautions against overexposure, take special care to adopt sun safety practices when the UV Index predicts exposure levels of moderate or above. .. Use shade wisely Seek shade when UV rays are the most intense, but keep in mind that shade structures such as trees, umbrellas or canopies do not offer complete sun protec- Short shadow, seek shade!" .. Wear protective clothing A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection for your eyes, ears, face, and the back or your neck. Sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent UVA and UV-B protection will greatly reduce eye damage from sun exposure. Tightly woven, loose fitting clothes will provide additional protection from the sun. .. Use sunscreen Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15+ liberally and re-apply every two hours, or after working, swimming, playing or exercising outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning parlours Sunbeds damage the skin and unprotected eyes and are best avoided entirely. Use these few tips and enjoy the summer sun safely! Fresno Is Moving Right Along Welcome to our newest DSA SL program Anthony Jackson! We are getting ready for our big move to our new office on the 29th. It is a lot of work however, we love our new office and are very excited about starting out July in the new space! Shelley Cook did her CPR and First Aid Training out in Visalia. She shared the following: One of the Visalia staff called to thank her for said training as she shortly thereafter used it to save someone's life. Wow! Now that is effective training! Empowering Consumers, Enhancing Their Lives Staff Anniversaries 7 Years Maria De Leon Salinas Joanne Moffet San Diego 6 Years Sharon Knivila Ukiah Luat Nguyen Santa Clara 5 Years Jaime Rodriguez Modesto Luz Velarde El Centro 4 Years Sandra Gayles Santa Clara Lori Krieger Santa Clara 3 Years Estella Hill Ray Hyde Steven Menicucci Ukiah 2 Years Cynthia Castonguay Fresno Sharon Johnson Stockton Diana Ragan Ukiah 1 Year Antonio Calderon El Centro Daniell Fox Stockton Pearl Gallardo Fresno Jose Gonzalez Plum House Elizabeth Jimenez Coalinga Page 2 Community Catalysts of California Santa Clara Fiesta Style In March the Santa Clara Office took a trip to Disneyland. There were 17 consumers and 6 staff who went on this trip. The trip startedon a Monday morning where everyone met at the office and had breakfast (pancakes, bacon, eggs, juicand milk). The drive was long, so halfway through a stop was made at Disneyland. On the 3rd day everyone gotup, ate breakfast, and returned home. Everyonehad a blast. Ann Marie Miller gave birth to Meaghan Miller Liongson on 3/23/07. She had a very easylabor. Contractions started at 11:09 am, they were at the hospital by 12:00 pm, in laborand delivery at 12:30 pm. Then Meaghan came out at 12:34 pm; a 4 minute labor. This is her two month old picture. This year our Summer BBQ became a Mexican Fiesta (June 9th) that was catered by Mondo Burrito. As everyonepatiently waited for the food to arrive, they played bingo, won prizes and listened to Mexican music. Lupe was dressed in a white dress waiting for students to participate in learning a Mexican dance. A few consumers participated in the and lunch (sandwiches, chips, fruitsand drinks) was provided. Unfortu- nately, the 3 vans got stuck in some heavy Los Angeles traf- fic. Upon arriving at the hotel eve- ryone was exhausted and rested for awhile. After resting and gettingsettled in, the 3 vans split up fordinner. The next day was spent cha cha slide. The food and the owner (Steve Dutra) werefantastic. We had the Deluxe Burrito and Taco Bar: carne asada and chicken, Spanish rice, refried beans and black beans, grilled vegetables with all the trimmings, and chips withsalsa. Steve completed the set up and clean up. He donated $35 back to the consumers. Thank you so much for all your help, great food and generos ity. Anyone who is around the Santa Clara area and feeling like some Mexican food, you've got to trMondo Burrito 3300 The Alameda Santa Clara, Ca 95050 (408)260- 9596. Changes All Around the Home Office The Home Office gang was household! Veronika Borinsky, What a cutie!What a cutie! so excited to finally meet the new addition to the Borinsky accounting clerk welcomed a new baby boy Sam into the world in March. Congratu lations Veronika! She is enjoying her time at home with him and will be back to work in September. We were sad to see our Graphic Communications Specialist, Stephanie Cornelison leave due to the recent reorganization in our office. We wish her well in her future endeavors and will miss her greatly! Page 3 Empowering Consumers, Enhancing Their Lives Consumer Anniversaries 16 Years: 16 Years:16 Years: Nick ANick A.— San Diego 9 Years: Aaron W. 9 Years:9 Years: Aaron W.Aaron W. —Coalinga 2 Years: Jay 2 Years:2 Years: JaJayy R.R. — Santa Clara 15 Years: Russell T. 1515Years:Years: RusseRussell T.ll T.— San Diego Mollie W. MolliMollie We W.. — El Centro Samer MSamer M. — Salinas Edwa EdEdwwaard Rrd R.— Coalinga 8 Years: Greg 8 Years:8 Years: GregGreg M.M. — Salinas Kurt W.Kurt W. — Merced 14 Years: 14 Years:14 Years: Carol FCarol F.— San Diego Barbara D.Barbara D. — Santa Clara Keith P.Keith P. — Merced Annette F AnneAnnettette FF.— El Centro Raymond R. RayRaymmond R.ond R. — El Centro Anthony H. onony Hy H.Anth — Merced 12 Years: 12 Years:12 Years: Dora N.Dora N. — El Centro Melissa F.Melissa F. — Coalinga Thanh D.Thanh D. — Santa Clara Karen R. n R.n R.Kare — Fresno 6 Years: 6 Years:6 Years: Michael M.Michael M. — Stockton Sandra R. SandrSandra R.a R. — Santa Clara Michael O. MiMichchaelael O.O. — El Centro 5 Years: Willia 5 Years:5 Years: WWillilliaiam D.m D. — Stockton 1 Year: 1 Year:1 Year:Emily K. EmilyEmily K.K. — Santa Clara Charles T.Charles T. — El Centro Lanette F.Lanette F. — San Diego Yu- YuYu--Tse K.Tse K. — Santa Clara rara Rene ReRenene S.S. — El Centro Jami SJami S.— San Diego Diane H.Diane H. — Santa Clara Mary M. MMaary M.ry M. — El Centro Joylene L. JoyJoylene Llene L.. — Salinas Lorena T.Lorena T. — Salinas Michael H. MiMichchaelael H.H. — El Centro Albert P.Albert P. — Ukiah Jose A.Jose A. — San Diego Lincoln LincLincolnoln G.G. — El Centro 4 Years: 4 Years:4 Years: Joe L.Joe L. — San Diego Talayeh E.Talayeh E. — San Diego Eduardo B.Eduardo B. — El Centro 3 Years: Monica 3 Years:3 Years: MonMoniiccaa C.C. — Fresno Lam H.Lam H. — San Diego James C.James C. — San Diego Lowe LoLowweella M.lla M. — Fresno Charles M.Charles M. — Fresno Lynnette J. LyLynnennettette J.J. — El Centro Juan R.Juan R. — Coalinga Christian B.Christian B. — Fresno “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. “ — Mother Teresa Ukiah Having Fun The Plum House got a new van this month. The consumers and staff are all very excited and are planning new things to do now that they have transportation. Fini T. of the Plum House celebrated his birthday. He enjoyed Chinese food with his roommates and staff. David S., Darryl C., and Randy D. all went to the Peoples First Convention. They all had a great time and Modesto Enjoys The Season First of all we would like to welcome aboard our new Direct Service Aide, Frederick Lewis. Also two of our consumers, Jason B. and Marissa E. moved to new apartments this month. Thank you to the staff who helped in the move, we know it is a lot of work. We hope Marisa and Jason enjoy their new places. Also, consumer Marisa E. is attending camp in the Santa Cruz area this week. We are sure she is having a lot of fun and we hope she brings us pictures if not some good stories. have been showing off the t-shirts they bought. Darryl C. went to Safari west with his mother. He got to ride around in a jeep and look at the wild animals. He told us that he liked the zebras and monkeys. Happy Birthday to staff Dan P. and congratulations to safety award winner Sharon K. So far June has turned into a rather warm month here in the valley, so stay cool and hydrate! Community Catalysts of California was proud to announce that Glenda Brown was selected as June’s Star of the Month. Glenda has been a Direct Service Aide for the Ukiah Office for five and half years. Glenda works in Willits with one of our eldest consumers. She cleans, cooks, and attends most doctor appointments which are usually out of town in Napa and sometimes even as far as San Francisco. Glenda has been a rock for her consumer, especially when he broke his hip. Everyone thought it was the worst thing that could happen at this point in his life. Glenda just smiled and said he will rise above this and he did. She has been his caretaker, friend, family and his guardian angel whenever needed. Her consumer has stated that if Glenda hadn’t come into his life when she did he would not be here today. They are a great team. She goes above and beyond her regular duties to see that her consumer is well cared for. Glenda maintains a positive and professional attitude towards her job. She pays attention to details in her paperwork. But above all, her consumer is happy and credits his independence and success in Supported Living to her. Glenda’s perseverance and dedication to Community Catalysts of California is what makes her a star! Consumer Catalyst of the Month Loc Kieu has been with Community Catalyst of California’s Supported Employment program for over 10 years and has been employed at Allies Party Rental for over 8 years. Loc has also been a great advocate for consumers to be more active in the community. Loc is currently San Diego's Advisory group leader and has planned a lot of fun activities for our group. So far this year he has helped plan our Disneyland trip, Bowling, Wheelchair Regatta, Movie night and a few fundraiser's. He is always enthusiastic about his plans and follows through to ensure everyone attending is having a great time. He likes to spend time at the mall, eating out, and has dreams of winning the lottery. If he wins the lottery, one of the first things he would do is purchase a car. Since he doesn't have a license, his Case Manager Teri has offered to be his chauffeur! Loc is getting ready to take a giant step towards Independence. He is looking forward to moving out of his parents home into a place of his own. His job, where he helps clean and prepare the rental equipment for customers, will definitely help him in taking this big step. His manager has stated many times they do not know what the where-house would do without Loc around to help everyone. Loc loves his job and says he wants to become the owner of the business some day. With Loc’s enthusiasm for his job, who knows what is in his future.